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Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Get ready to fall in love with competition season. This fast-paced, highly practical session walks educators through everything they need to prepare students for the Virginia ProStart Invitational — from the rules that matter most, to timelines, expectations, and those tiny details that make or break a score sheet. We’ll break down the culinary, management, and individual events with clarity, strategy, and a little humor (because we all know competition day brings its own brand of chaos).

Participants will learn how to coach students toward precision, professionalism, and confidence, while also creating a classroom environment that nurtures independence and critical thinking. We’ll look at common pitfalls, winning team habits, and proven techniques that help students shine under pressure.

Whether you’re a seasoned ProStart educator or new to the program, you’ll leave with a roadmap, practical tools, and fresh ideas to level up preparation at your school. After all — Virginia is for ProStart Lovers, and we’re here to help your students bring the heat.

Related Courses:

Baking and Pastry Specialization (16052-III/8279)
Catering/Banquet Specialization (16052-IV/8272)
Culinary Arts I (16052-I/8275)
Culinary Arts II (16052-II/8276)
Quantity Food Specialization (16052-V/8273)
Restaurant Operation Specialization (16052-VI/8274)

Speakers
avatar for Leah Schuler PCEC, CDM, CFPP

Leah Schuler PCEC, CDM, CFPP

Culinary School Specialist, ZWILLING
Chef Schuler is a Culinary School Specialist with ZWILLING.  She has spent her life learning about food and nutrition and her passion for the industry led to her multiple certifications. She is a Personal Certified Executive Chef with the American Culinary Federation (one of 12... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Jai Girard

Dr. Jai Girard

Director of Education & Workforce Development | Virginia ProStart Coordinator, Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association
Dr. Jai Girard serves as the Director of Education and Workforce Development at the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association (VRLTA) and as the State Coordinator for Virginia ProStart. In this role, she leads statewide culinary and management education initiatives, supports... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Mariner A

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